Bethany McFarland Leslie ’12 serves as the Vice President for Advancement at Marietta College, where she leads the College’s philanthropic strategy, alumni and parent engagement, and donor relations. As a key member of the President’s senior leadership team, she plays a critical role in shaping Marietta’s long-term vision and securing the resources needed to advance its mission.
A proud alumna, Bethany returned to her alma mater in 2021 as Director of Major Gifts, where she led the College’s major and planned giving efforts, helped successfully complete the historic $100M This Is The Time campaign, and restructured donor engagement strategies to drive growth. Under her leadership, the planned giving program more than doubled, and the advancement team secured transformational gifts that continue to shape the student experience.
With more than a decade of direct fundraising experience, Bethany has developed a deep expertise in major and planned giving, campaign leadership, and donor stewardship. Before returning to Marietta, she served as Director of The Mount Union Fund and later as Director of Planned Giving at the University of Mount Union, where she expanded deferred gift commitments and implemented new donor engagement initiatives. Her career also includes development roles at Northeast Ohio Medical University and Lakeside Chautauqua.
Bethany’s leadership is rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and a commitment to relationship-building. She has successfully led high-performing fundraising teams, developed innovative strategies to engage donors, and cultivated lasting partnerships with alumni and supporters. She is passionate about strengthening Marietta’s future by building a culture of philanthropy that ensures students have access to the same transformative education she received.
Bethany holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Kent State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Accounting from Marietta College. She is actively engaged in volunteer leadership, including serving as the inaugural president of the Alpha Xi Delta Beta Xi Foundation.
As Vice President, Bethany is eager to connect with alumni, donors, and friends of Marietta College to share the incredible impact of philanthropy and the exciting future ahead.